Drug and Alcohol Addiction Help and Recovery Resource

Addictions can affect anyone, regardless of their gender, ethnicity or social status. When a person is struggling with a dependency issue, any treatment program will seem impossible. However, most people can find drug addiction help or alcohol addiction help that will steer them in the recovery process to achieve long term success. Ultimately, the road to recovery is always worth it.

What is the First Step?

The decision to make a change in a person's life and admitting there is a problem and that they need drug or alcohol addiction help is the first step that needs to be taken for success. The understanding that there is a need to make a change either from your own self-realization or from family and friends opening up with a person will generally get things started. No matter what has started the process, it is important to seek the right non 12 step addiction treatment to begin working through the addiction process. The sooner the process of getting alcohol or drug addiction help begins, the more likely it is that a person can work through the addiction.

Why Choose a Non 12 Step Addiction Treatment Program?

Many people find that the traditional 12 step programs available don't give them the help they need. For some, a secular approach is preferred over a spiritual one. Others may find referring to a drug or alcohol addiction as a disease is offensive. No matter what the main reason is for turning to a non 12 step addiction treatment program, it is important that a person sticks with the program to achieve the desired results.

The Use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy to Overcome Addiction

Part of the non 12 step addiction treatment regimen facilities use is cognitive behavior therapy. Instead of taking an approach in which addicts surrender themselves to a higher power, these programs focus on providing participants with strategies designed to focus on the addictive behavior while looking at solutions to help them overcome some of the addictive behavior they have.

Mental health professionals who feel chemical dependency isn't a disease that cannot be controlled are more readily approving this approach. Instead, the approach in these non 12 step rehab programs is that drug addiction and alcoholism are actually learned behaviors that can be fought with some important elements. They include:

Coping skills – These are the skills addicts are taught to help them deal with their main triggers, such as anger, stress or other major factors.

Cravings Management – Participants are educated on new ways they can fight their cravings when it comes to drugs or alcohol. This can include remembering a past negative event associated with their addiction and the benefits associated with staying sober.

Handling the Emotional Response – Emotions are powerful triggers for most people. Anger, Stress and Depression can trigger the need to drink or a person to use drugs. Learning healthier ways to deal with intense emotions can actually help break the cycle and achieve better results.

Removing Negative Thought Patterns – When an addict is close to using, they experience repetitive negative thought patterns that motivate them to abuse substances. With a non 12 step addiction treatment plan, participants can find new ways to surround themselves in positive activities and build relationships to help reduce the risk of negative thought patterns.

What Happens in the Non 12 Step Addiction Treatment Program?

While it might seem is if there is a catch, the non 12 step rehab programs main focus is on abstinence from both alcohol and drugs. These programs take advantage of pharmaceutical therapy and behavior modification to achieve their desired results.

Facilities have medical staff on hand to monitor the drug and alcohol detoxification process.

One on one counseling sessions take place to help participants better understand the process and learn how they can take advantage of the tools they are learning in therapy sessions.

Extended counseling sessions are provided for spouses, family members and others who are helping the participant in the world once they leave the program.

Non 12 step addiction treatment has been proven to have a better effect on those who have found traditional 12 step programs don't work for them and need something to help them regain control of their lives. No person should determine their success with overcoming a drug or alcohol dependence on the failure of a single program.

It's Time to Make a Change

When a person is ready to make a change, it is important to look at the reasons they are doing it. The best reasons are to change their life or to improve and protect their health, understanding the affect drugs and alcohol can have on their body. That doesn't mean the process will be simple, nor does it mean that it will happen overnight. Instead, dealing with the difficult situations requires breaking habits and committing to several different changes in a person's life right away. Sometimes the catalyst will be in the form of an intervention. These changes may include:

Removing negative people and users from a person's life.

Learning to deal with stress better.

Finding self-acceptance in life and removing negative self-talk.

Using free time in a positive manner instead of allowing triggers to be present.

For some people, additional changes may be necessary to ensure they are successful during this process. It is important to sit down and pay close attention to any counselor at the non 12 step rehab programs to understand what changes are necessary to maximize the effectiveness of the program an individual is attending.

Understanding the Options for Treatment

Once it is decided that non 12 step rehab programs are the ideal choice for a participant, it is important to review the treatment facilities available. Each facility offers their own unique approach to dealing with addiction and it is important to review information about each location until the right treatment plan is found based on an individual's needs. While the main focus should be placed on programs designed to treat drug and alcohol abuse, there also needs to be elements that help a person to cope with family, friends and professional items. If necessary, mental health support should also be provided as psychological conditions may be having an effect of some kind.

Once a facility has been found, the individual should commit to the program and give it all they've got. Approaching the program in a positive fashion and being committed to making the change increases the likelihood of lasting results.

Getting the Support Needed

Most addicts don't let many people know about their addiction, so getting the support they need can be difficult. No matter what non 12 step addiction treatment program is selected, it is critical that participants are open with family and friends about their addiction and make sure these loved ones take courses to give them some insight on how to be a support network for the individual receiving treatment.

This can improve the effectiveness of the program and make certain the participant has a sober network they can rely on when the cravings of addiction are strong. Some loved ones may even discover they were more of an enabler than they realized and they can learn how to prevent continuing in that role.

Actively Make the Changes

After treatment has been completed, the successful participant will have changed their habits and embraced new, positive ones instead. Most people who abuse drugs or alcohol use these items as a reward mechanism and stress reducer. Understanding this, the addict can change their approach and understand this isn't a healthy approach. Instead, positive social rewards and hobbies that are good for the body prove to be better options.

Part of the process to become sober requires the acceptance that changes need to be made in a person's life. This begins with training your brain and your body not crave alcohol or drugs and instead work to focus on positive alternatives. This can help a person avoid reverting to their negative habits.

It will take some time for a person to understand all of their triggers. But once different people, situations and locations reveal themselves, it is a good idea to take note of them and then start removing them. Some of the best things a person can do to effectively reduce triggers include:

Creating a distance from those with whom drugs or alcohol were routinely consumed with.

Avoid bars, even if the intent is to be a designated driver.

Be open and honest about any drug abuse or dependency issues with healthcare professionals.

Use any prescription medication only as it is intended.

Life Without Drugs and Alcohol is Possible

Those who experience the first few months sober often have no idea how they will cope. Their addiction controlled their lives to the point that the substance presented a false sense of joy and life without it may seem dull and unfulfilling. It is important to look for activities that bring excitement and joy back to the addict's life in an effort to avoid a relapse.

Ideally, these will be experiences that have no connection to previous drug and alcohol usage. There are exceptions, such as team sports and activities in which the group can focus on the individual and give additional support necessary for the recovery process. Going back to school and being in a positive environment for a few hours and even joining a club may also be a great way to move forward during the recovery process.

No matter what approach is taken, it is critical to remember that drugs and alcohol aren't necessary to live a happy and fulfilling life. Life is full of ups and downs and there will be times when a person struggles and will need additional assistance. It is important to know the people a person can rely on, no matter how difficult the situation becomes. That foundation is one of the best options to be found for creating a life without drugs and alcohol.

Non 12 Step Rehab Programs are a Good Choice

For most people, the decision to suddenly quit alcohol or drugs isn't reality. There is a need to have some kind of structured program to provide guidance and help in the recovery process. This is where a non 12 step addiction treatment program comes into the picture. With a setup designed to promote the recovery process, addicts are provided with a positive setting focused on recovery and redirecting life without the use of faith-based treatment or referring to alcoholism and drug dependency as an illness. This approach is different from options like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

No One is Too Far Gone

From teenagers who have started using and those who have spent the last 30 years abusing, anyone who seeks the treatment efforts of non 12 step rehab programs will find they have the tools necessary to quit. In each scenario, there are treatment options available to help the individual seeking treatment find an approach that works for them. The process won't happen overnight and it will take a support network to make some life changing decisions.

But the moment a person is able to see they have control over their life and discover what they once thought was impossible is a reality and addiction no longer has the power it once had, they will know the time spent in a non 12 step addiction treatment center is one that can change their life for the better. Anyone who needs to make a positive change and t take a stand against a drug or alcohol addiction should take the first step and seek a professional establishment to help guide them through the process.